What surfboard for 26 beginner female?

[whoajo]

Hi all,

I am new to surfing but am planning to go on a surfing holiday this summer. Which board would you guys advise me to buy? I am 5'6, 7st10 and consider myself fit as I work out regularly and lead a heathy lifestyle, so I might take on a more challenging board. Thanks!

[kahuna]

Hey,

If you have your mind set on one day riding short boards then go ahead and get a nice 7' 0" or larger fun board (more challenging) for your first board. If not go for a long board. 9' - 10' should do the trick. If you plan on doing this all summer this is the way to go. If you don't think you will realistically surf very much, then just rent a longboard for a few days or look into getting a lesson to see if you really like it. Better yet borrow a friend's board and go catch a few waves for free. Do a quick search online about buying a surfboard... or look for a surfboard buing guide and you will find that it can get pretty complicated, but don't dispair, a local shop at your beach will be able to help you out just make sure the person helping you knows what they are talking about.

[whoajo]

Thank you!

[jaffa1949]

Thank you!

There is a fairly comprehensive guide on this site, and you may well be fit but you will be even fitter after you surf a bit.
Just because you are fit don't think a more challenging board is the starting place for you , start with a board that can float you easily paddles well and can catch waves. If you figure all boards can do that, you're right. But for a raw beginner a little longer a little more volume and basic. Get fancy before you even start and you will frustrate yourself.
Kahuna's right too try a surf school and their boards as a start point.
Next question, where is your holiday going to be? That too is something you should consider!

[Vasos]

I'm a big fan of putting a beginner on a retro board, like a retro twin fin, really wide, thick, but short enough to move around.

Beginners tend to be overwhelmed with the large board, but need a board with a "large board" float and stability. Retro Twinnies work great for this, and actually give you something you will enjoy riding after you learn. That is, if you want to be a short boarder in the long run.

[Lodato]

Definitely retro fish is an awesome beginner board!

[drowningbitbybit]

No it isn't

Retro fish are unstable as anything (at least they should be. If they're not, then it's not a retro fish), and need to be mercilessly pumped to keep moving.
Yes, they are very easy to catch waves with, but after that's where they stop being suitable for a beginner.